Brisbane Biodiversity Forum

Event Overview

 

In July 2025, Brisbane welcomed an official delegation from Kobe City, Japan, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the sister city partnership. As part of the celebrations, the Brisbane Biodiversity Forum brought together leaders, experts, and community representatives from both countries to share ideas on protecting and promoting biodiversity.

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To ensure meaningful participation for Japanese-speaking delegates, Congress Australia was engaged to deliver high-quality simultaneous interpreting and audio solutions.

Our Solution

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Congress Australia provided end-to-end simultaneous interpreting services for the forum, ensuring every participant could meaningfully engage regardless of language.

 

The technical setup included:

• Bosch Digital Infrared Simultaneous Interpreting System for seamless interpretation

• 5 handheld microphones integrated into both the interpreting system and in-room PA

• Zoom H6 Recorders to capture pure-language audio channels for post-event use

 

Working closely with SelectAV, we coordinated the installation of the microphone system alongside our interpreting equipment, guaranteeing consistent sound quality for both in-room and recorded content.

Navigating Challenges

 

Tight installation windows

The venue allowed only a two-hour installation window on the morning of the event, which was insufficient for a full system setup. To resolve this, we negotiated partial access on the day prior. Our team completed the first stage of installation on 23 July, storing equipment neatly in the auditorium. This preparation enabled a smooth final setup within the restricted timeframe on event day. 

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Resource constraints 

Given the volume of equipment required and limited staffing resources, we supplemented our core team with freelance technicians and additional support from SelectAV. This ensured every component was installed, tested, and ready well before delegates arrived.

The Outcome

 

The Brisbane Biodiversity Forum ran seamlessly, with interpretation and AV delivery supporting a smooth exchange of ideas. Delegates engaged fully in discussions, with language barriers removed.

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The event not only celebrated four decades of friendship between Brisbane and Kobe, but also highlighted the importance of precise AV delivery and skilled interpretation in enabling successful international collaboration.